Thomas Mifflin

Thomas Mifflin (January 10, 1744 – January 20, 1800) was an American merchant, soldier, and politician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 Military service 
Early in the American Revolutionary War, Thomas Mifflin left the Continental Congress to serve in the Continental Army. He was made a major and later became an aide-de-camp of George Washington.

On August 14, 1775, Washington appointed him to become the army's first quartermaster general, as was agreed by Congress. Even though he preferred to be on the front line, people said he was good at his job. Because he failed at properly supplying Washington and the troops at Valley Forge, questions were raised. People said he had warehoused and sold supplies, instead of bringing them to Washington and his troops. After Washington talked with him, Mifflin asked to be relieved as quartermaster general but was persuaded to resume those duties because Congress did not find a replacement.

Mifflin's leadership at the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton led to his promotion to major general. In Congress, there was debate regarding whether a national army was more efficient or the individual states should maintain their own forces.  As a result of the debate, Congress created the Board of War, and Mifflin served on it from 1777 to 1778. He then rejoined the army but took little active role because of criticism of his service as quartermaster general. He was accused of embezzlement and welcomed an inquiry, but none ever took place. He resigned, but Congress continued to ask his advice even after it had accepted his resignation.

 Personal life 
Although Mifflin's family had been Quakers for four generations, he was expelled for joining the Continental Army since his involvement with the military contradicted the faith's pacifist doctrines. Citing  Mifflin became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1768 and served for two years as its secretary. He served from 1773 to 1791 as a trustee of the College and Academy of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania), including two years as its treasurer (1773–1775).

References

Other websites

 Brief biography and portrait at the University of Pennsylvania
 Biography and portrait at Quartermasters-General

Category:1744 births
Category:1800 deaths
Category:Politicians from Philadelphia
Category:Signers of the United States Constitution